Hi! I am 46 and recently began lessons for ballroom dancing. It is a little intimidating since all the instructors are in their 20's. I have been told I am a great follower and have rhythm! The dancing is not difficult. I am wondering how much of a con the studios really are. Of course there are dashing young men to pursuade you to give them over 3 thousand dollars to teach you to dance however it seems my instructor is withholding and hindering my progress by not teaching/telling me as much as he could. Also, I would like to locate a partner for practice and don't know exactly how to go about it. Any suggestions most appreciated! Thanks!

Thanks for the insight David. I must admit that all the instructors at the dance studio are in their twenties. I was hoping for someone a little older! The same is true for female instructors..they are all very young. I was assigned a young instructor and had four lessons with him. I signed up for additional lessons and requested another instructor. I had one lesson with the new instructor, he then called me aside and suggested it would be better if I had smooth dances from one instructor and latin from him. Was then told to call the smooth instructor when I got home and go over it with him before making an appointment. I do not think the owner is aware of this. I am wondering if the instructors get a percentage of the tuition but am uneasy as to exactly what is going on. I have a lesson today so will be asking a few more questions. I am not pleased with all this confusion.

If you find dancing easy, be cautious. If the studio seems to pair up young female teachers to teach the older men as well as the young male teachers teaching the older ladies beware. If there are couples who are only taught by the older teachers, then you are being taken. The best studios will usually give new people the next available teacher unless they request someone they want to teach them. There are good studios in Pittsburgh, check around. If Blair is reading this, jump in and help her out. As for partners, that takes time. Just keep a look out for a potential student.

Over $3000!!! I hope you are getting a lot of "private" lessons for that sum - say 35-50, depending on location, quality of instructor etc. If you are not, I am putting London Bridge on sale, again, for just $5000, checks or money orders only..

Sri.